System for printing information on a mailing medium

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for printing information, such as postal indicia and other information, on a medium. The system is implemented by detecting a type of medium and entering a printing mode as a function of the type of medium detected. The printing mode is either an envelope printing mode or a tape/label printing mode. When in the envelope printing mode, a print module is positioned at a first position, and prints postal indicia data on a first area of the envelope. The print module is then positioned at a second position. Additional data is obtained and the additional data is printed on a second area of the envelope. The print module is then positioned at a third position and recipient address data is obtained and printed on a third area of the envelope. The print module is positioned at a fourth position, and sender address information is obtained and printed on a fourth area of the envelope.

This application is a Divisional Application of Ser. No. 09/909,522,filed Jun. 20, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,550,994.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to printing information on a mailingmedium. More particularly, this invention relates to control circuitryfor a printing mechanism used in a value dispensing device, such as apostage meter, which accurately controls the printing mechanism so thatpostal indicia and other information are printed on a print mediumsuitable for mailing, such as an envelope, a label or a tape.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Mailing machines for printing postage indicia on envelopes and otherforms of mail pieces have enjoyed commercial success, both in the U.S.Postal Service and in industry mail rooms and private officeenvironments. Generally speaking, there are many different types ofmailing machines, ranging from relatively small units, which handle onlyone mail piece at a time to large, multi-functional units, which canseparate, feed, weigh, print postage indicia on and stack hundreds ofmail pieces per hour in a continuous stream operation. Thus, the modernmailing machine plays an important role in facilitating the rapid andefficient movement and other handling of mail.

Mailing machines have traditionally been capable of printing postageindicia either directly on mail pieces, or on pieces of tape, which arethen attached to mail pieces. Typically, the mailing machine is set toprint the postage indicia on envelopes as they are fed seriatim along afeed deck by a suitable feeding mechanism, the printing operation beingcarried out by a printing device that is part of a postage metercomponent of the mailing machine. The postage meter component hasvarious control devices by which it can be set to print a predeterminedamount of postage, together with other settable information, such as adate, within a pre-set design, the selectable information and thepre-set design all constituting the aforementioned postage indicia.

Regardless of which type of printing device is utilized in the postagemeter, it is often necessary to print the postage indicia on a strip oftape, either gummed or adhesive backed, because it is not possible tofeed the mail piece on which it is desired to apply a postage indiciathrough the mailing machine. In many situations, for example, the mailpiece may be too thick to be fed through the normal feeding path of themailing machine, or it may be too large in area, or it may containdelicate material that could be damaged by the pressure exerted by theprinting device of the postage meter. For whatever, reason, there arenumerous occasions in the normal operating situations of a mailingmachine, where the postage indicia simply cannot be applied directly tothe mail piece and must be applied to a strip of tape which is thensuitably adhered to the mail piece.

Digital printing technology includes thermal ink jet (bubble jet),piezoelectric ink jet, thermal printing techniques, and LED and laserxerographic printing that all operate to produce images by dot-matrixprinting. In dot-matrix ink jet printing individual print elements inthe printhead (such as resistors or piezo electric elements) are eitherelectronically stimulated or not stimulated to expel or not expelrespectively, drops of ink from a reservoir onto a substrate. Thus, bycontrolling the timing of the energizing of each of the individual printelements in conjunction with the relative movement between the printheadand the mailpiece, a dot-matrix pattern is produced in the visual formof the desired indicia.

Conventional printheads that are used to print information on a mediumsuitable for mailing, such as an envelope or adhesive tape, which isaffixed to an envelope, print postal indicia as the medium passesthrough an apparatus. One drawback to this is that the printhead is notable to print additional data on the medium as the medium is passedthrough the printhead.

One technique for controlling energizing of ink jet printheads isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,815,172, issued Sep. 28, 1998 to Moh,entitled, “Method And Structure for Controlling the Energizing of an InkJet Printhead in a Value Dispensing Device such as a Postage Meter”.This patent is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.While the technique described in that patent is useful to generateencoder pulses to a motor to activate the motor and to move theprinthead at a desired speed over a medium, it does not attempt toenable the printhead to print on a plurality of areas of an envelope ortape.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,184,900, issued Feb. 9, 1993 to Eisner et al., entitled,“Envelope Addressing System Adapted to Simultaneously Print Addresseesand Bar Codes”. This patent relates to using one printhead for eachaddress line, i.e., four lines would require four printheads. Theprintheads are mounted so at least two of the printheads overlap eachother, which means that the printheads are positioned so that they arenot in sequence with the numbers of the lines being printed. Transportrolls are mounted at either end of the printhead with no other transportrollers or transporting structures between the printheads. An electroniccontroller varies the time each of the printheads starts to print tocorrespond to the spacing of that printhead so that all of the lines maybe printed with an aligned margin. This system does not enable aprinthead to print various information on a plurality of areas of amedium.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,437,441, issued Aug. 1, 1995, to Tuhro et al., entitled,“Mail Preparation Copier With Mailing Address Identifications” relatesto a digital copier with mail preparation functions. These functionsinclude a document input scanner that derives an electronicrepresentation of an original document and a document editor that isresponsive to operator commands input from a user interface. A source ofsheets and envelopes are fed to the printer. The printer is controlledto create an image on the selected sheet or envelope according to thecreated envelope image. Postage amount is generated in response toreceived information about the weight of a document. A document creatorcombines the image from an identified area with a pre-stored envelopeimage. This system, however, does not control a printhead to enableeither a tape or an envelope to be printed, which includes postageindicia and additional information.

What is needed is an improved method and apparatus that permits a printmodule to print postal indicia and other information by moving theposition of the print module and thereby achieve improved usage of themedium.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus forprinting information, such as postal indicia and other information, on amedium.

Accordingly, one embodiment is directed to a method of printing on amedium. This method includes detecting a type of medium and entering aprinting mode as a function of the type of medium detected in thedetecting step. The printing mode is either an envelope printing mode ora tape/label printing mode. When in the envelope printing mode, a printmodule is positioned at a first position, and prints postal indicia dataon a first area of the envelope. The print module is then positioned ata second position. Additional data is obtained and the additional datais printed on a second area of the envelope. This additional data, whichcould be virtually any information that would fit on the medium,typically includes slogan information, change of address information,delivery instructions and the like. The print module is then positionedat a third position and recipient address data is obtained and printedon a third area of the envelope.

Next, the print module is positioned at a fourth position, and senderaddress information is obtained and printed on a fourth area of theenvelope.

It is another embodiment of the present invention that when in the tapeprinting mode, the print module is positioned at a fifth position, andindicia is printed on a first portion of the tape. The multiple printingpositions on the tape are only constrained by the dimensions of the tapeitself.

It is yet another embodiment of the present invention that the printmodule is positioned at a sixth position and additional tape informationis obtained and printed on a second portion of the tape.

Yet another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method ofprinting on a medium, such as an envelope. This method includes a firstpositioning step of positioning a print module at a first position.Next, postal indicia information is printed on a first area of themedium. A second positioning step positions the print module at a secondposition and during a second printing step, a second type of informationis printed on a second area of the medium.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a thirdpositioning step of positioning the print module at a position, whichmay be the same position as the first position. A third printing stepprints a third type of information on a third area of the envelope.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a fourthpositioning step of positioning the print module at a fourth position,and a fourth printing step of printing a fourth type of information at afourth area of the envelope.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention includes positioning asecond print module on an opposite side of the envelope from the firstposition, and printing information on the opposite side of the envelope.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention includes atape-positioning step of positioning the print module at a tape-printingposition and printing indicia on a tape.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a secondtape-positioning step of positioning the print module at a second-tapeprinting position, and printing additional data on the tape.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a third-tapepositioning step of positioning the print module at a third tapeprinting position, and printing return address data on the tape.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a methodof printing on a medium that has an adhesive surface. The methodincludes a first positioning step of positioning a print module at afirst position. Next a first printing step prints postal indicia on afirst area of the medium. A second positioning step positions the printmodule at a second position, and a second printing step prints secondinformation on a second area of the medium.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a thirdpositioning step of positioning a print module at a third position, anda third printing step of printing third information on a third area ofthe medium.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to an apparatusfor printing on a medium. The apparatus includes a first support memberadapted to support a first medium and a second support member adapted tosupport a second medium;

A detection module detects one of the first medium or the second mediumand a print module is adapted to print data on the detected medium.

When the detection module detects the first medium, the print module isdisposed in a first position to print postal indicia data on a firstarea of the first medium, and the print module is then positioned in asecond position to print second data on a second area of the firstmedium.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a second printmodule positioned on an opposite side of the envelope from the firstposition. The second print module prints information on the oppositeside of the envelope.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is that the detectionmodule determines information printed on the medium, and the printmodule prints information on the medium according to the determinationof the detection module.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a methodof printing on a medium. The method includes determining a type ofmedium and determining dimensions of the medium. A first positioningstep positions a print module at a first position and a first printingstep prints postal indicia information on a first area of the medium.When the dimensions of the medium exceed a first threshold, a secondpositioning step positions the print module at a second position, and asecond printing step prints second information on a second area of themedium.

When the dimensions of the medium exceed a second threshold, which islarger than the first threshold, a third positioning step positions theprint module at a third position and a third printing step prints thirdinformation on a third area of the medium.

Yet another embodiment of the invention includes detecting the presenceor absence of data, such as a destination address, or a sender'saddress, on the medium, and positioning the print module as a functionof the detection.

Yet another embodiment is directed to an apparatus for printing on amedium. The apparatus includes means for detecting a type of medium.This means includes a sensor, switch or detector that establisheswhether a tape, envelope or label is to be printed. When a first type ofmedium is detected, means for positioning a print module at a firstposition position the print module at the first position. Thepositioning means can be a portion of a print module controlled by acontroller, which receives command data from a user or memory. Theapparatus also includes means for printing postal indicia data on afirst area of the envelope (the print means are suitably any print headas described herein) and means for positioning the print module at asecond position. The apparatus also includes means for obtainingadditional data and means for printing the additional data on a secondarea of the envelope. This is achieved by retrieving additional datafrom a memory or a user interface and printing the data using a printingdevice. The apparatus also includes means for positioning the printmodule at a third position and means for obtaining recipient addresscontent data. These means are suitably similar to the means describedabove, specifically, a processor controlled apparatus to position aprint module and a memory for storing recipient data, which is downloaded and printed by the print module. The apparatus also has means forprinting the recipient address data on a third area of the envelope andmeans for positioning the print module at a fourth position. Theapparatus also includes means for obtaining sender address informationand means for printing the sender address information on a fourth areaof the envelope.

Yet another embodiment of the invention is that when a second type ofmedium is detected, means for positioning the print module at a fifthposition, and means for printing indicia on a first portion of the tape.

Yet another embodiment of the invention includes means for positioningthe print module at a sixth position, means for obtaining additionaltape information, and means for printing the additional tape informationon a second portion of the tape.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is directed to anapparatus for printing on an envelope. The apparatus includes means forpositioning a print module at a first position, means for printingpostal indicia information on a first area of the envelope, means forpositioning the print module at a second position, and means forprinting a second type of information on a second area of the envelope.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention includes means forpositioning the print module at a third position, and means for printinga third type of information on a third area of the envelope.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention includes means forpositioning the print module at a fourth position, and means forprinting a fourth type of information at a fourth area of the envelope.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention includes means forpositioning a second print module on an opposite side of the envelopefrom the first position, and means for printing information on theopposite side of the envelope.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention includes means forpositioning the print module at a tape-printing position and means forprinting indicia on a tape.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is directed to anapparatus for printing on a medium that has an adhesive surface. Theapparatus includes means for positioning a print module at a firstposition, means for printing postal indicia on a first area of themedium, means for positioning the print module at a second position, andmeans for printing second information on a second area of the medium.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is directed to anapparatus for printing on a medium. The apparatus includes means fordetermining a type of medium, means for determining dimensions of themedium, means for positioning a print module at a first position, meansfor printing postal indicia information on a first area of the medium.When the dimensions of the medium exceed a first threshold, means forpositioning the print module at a second position, and means forprinting second information on a second area of the medium.

When the dimensions of the medium exceed a second threshold, the secondthreshold being larger than the first threshold, means for positioningthe print module at a third position, and means for printing thirdinformation on a third area of the medium.

Yet another embodiment of the invention includes means for detecting thepresence or absence of a destination address on the medium, and meansfor positioning the print module as a function of the detection.

Yet another embodiment of the invention is directed to an apparatus forprinting on a medium. The apparatus includes a support member adapted tosupport a medium, a print module positioned to print on a medium whilethe medium is disposed on the support member and a processor,operatively connected to the print module, adapted to provide controlinstructions to the print module such that the print module printspostal indicia on a first area of the medium, additional information ona second area of the medium and recipient address information on a thirdarea of the medium.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a methodand apparatus downloading information to a peripheral mailing machine,which includes a print module, a PC and an interface to a network, suchas the Internet. The apparatus and corresponding method include sensinga type of medium that is to be printed on and positioning a print moduleat a first position based on the type of medium sensed in the sensingstep. Next, postal indicia information is printed on the medium and theprint module is positioned at a second position. Then, secondinformation is printed on the medium, the second information retrievedfrom a remote location via a network.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects of the present invention will be apparentupon consideration of the following detailed description, taken inconjunction with accompanying drawings, in which like referencecharacters refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation of a representative mailing machineembodying the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an electrical block diagram of control circuitry of thepresent invention, incorporated in a postage meter.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show a flowchart of steps to implement one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 4 shows that the present invention can be utilized with mailingmachines, copier machines and facsimile machines.

FIG. 5 is block diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is flowchart of steps to implement a third embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 shows a label with postal indicia and additional informationprinted thereon.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show a mailing medium according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of a mailing machine that uses the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention enables a printer module to be positioned atnumerous locations as a print medium, which is typically an envelope,mailing label or tape, is moving relative to the print module. Theamount of information printed on the medium is a function of theavailable area of the medium, as well as any information that is on themedium prior to the printing process. Indicia, such as postal indiciaand many types of additional data, such as slogan information, deliveryinstructions, contact information, mail stop information, messageinformation, recipient's address information, sender's addressinformation and the like can be printed on the medium. Generallyspeaking, additional information is any information that is printed onthe medium in addition to the postal indicia.

FIG. 1 shows a representative mailing machine 10 embodying theprinciples of the present invention. Frame 11 suitably supports thecomponents of the mailing machine 10, including an elongate guide plate12 which extends through the mailing machine 10, the underside of whichdefines a printing plane for the upper surface of envelopes E, and inconjunction with an endless belt 14, a feed path along which theenvelopes are fed. The envelopes E are fed along the feed path by thelower run of the belt 14 that projects through an elongate slot in theguide plate 12 so as to cooperate with a plurality of back up rollers18. The rollers 18 are rotatably mounted on the free ends of arms 20that are pivotally connected to a suitable housing 22 that is part ofthe frame 11, and are urged upwardly against the envelope E by suitablebiasing means such as the springs 24. The belt 14 is supported by a pairof rollers 26, one of which is driven by a motor (not shown). There aretypically two rows of back up rollers 18 so as to ensure that theenvelope E is adequately supported and maintained flat against theunderside of the guide plate 12.

A tape T of indefinite length is suitably stored in the mailing machine10 on a roll 32 mounted in a housing 33 and is fed upwardly from theroll 32 by a pair of feed rollers 34 and 36, the roller 36 also servingto feed the tape T into a throat 38 defined by the underside of theguide plate 12 and the upper surface of a pressure plate 40 that ismovably mounted to press the tape T against the underside of the guideplate 12 in response to a spring 42 captured between the pressure plate40 and a suitable housing 44 formed in the frame 11. Another pair offeed rollers 46 draws the tape T through the mailing machine 10 andfeeds individual lengths of tape to a retrieval location after they havebeen printed and severed from the strip. The feed roller pair 34 and 36and the feed rollers 46 are suitably driven by a motor (not shown)suitably connected to both pairs of feed rollers. The location of thetape T and the path of movement thereof, as defined by the location ofthe pair of feed rollers 34 and 36, the pressure plate 40 and the feedrollers 46, is disposed in offset parallel relationship to the feed pathfor the envelope, so that the respective feed paths are separate fromone another. It should be understood that the principles of the presentinvention are applicable to mailing machines which have the capabilityof weighing mail pieces while they are being transported through themailing machines, so that appropriate postage can be selected in thepostage meter component of such mailing machines for printing on eachindividual mail piece. In machines of this type, the entire envelopefeed mechanism, including the guide plate 12, the belt 14, the rollers26, the backup rollers 18 and the supporting structure therefor, and thehousing 22 would all be mounted as a unit on a load cell, in a mannerwell known in the art, so that the weight of an envelope being fedthrough the mailing machine could be detected by the load cell andtransmitted to a postage meter, again in a manner known in the art.

The mailing machine 10 includes a printing device, indicated generallyby the reference numeral 50. The printing device 50 is mounted on a pairof spaced apart parallel rails 52 by means of suitable sliding brackets(not shown), the rails 52 being supported by fixed brackets 56 mountedon the frame 11 and extending in a direction perpendicular to thedirection of feed of envelopes E and the tape T through the mailingmachine 10. The printing device 50 is moved back and forth along therails 52 by an endless belt supported on a pair of rollers (belt androllers not shown). Reversible motor 62 drives at least one roller. Theprinting device 50 is connected to the belt 58 by a suitable bracket 64.

The printing device 50 is typically an ink jet printhead such as any ofthose mentioned above. This printing device 50 includes a nozzle platehaving an array of very small nozzles through which small droplets ofink are ejected in a predetermined pattern under the control of suitablesoftware so as to create a desired image on a receiving medium movingpast the printing device 50. The data printed by the printing device 50can be input by a user interface (shown in FIG. 2) or downloaded from amemory. The data can be associated in batches, such that particularrecipient address data will be associated with particular sender addressdata. Thus, all mailing medium with a particular data can be groupedtogether. This is especially useful for invitations to an event such asa wedding in which some of the guests are invited by one party (bride'sfamily) and other guests are invited by another party (groom's family).This way, the sender's address will be associated with particularrecipients. This data can be provided by each party and therebyfacilitate the mailing of invitations to the invitees.

FIG. 2 shows an electrical block diagram of a postage meter 110implementing the present invention. Postage meter 110 includes twoprimary modules, a base module 103 and a printhead module 105. Basemodule 103 includes a vault microprocessor 107 and a transactionmicroprocessor 109. Vault microprocessor 107 has software and associatedmemory to perform conventional accounting functions of postage meter110. For example, vault microprocessor 107 has the capability to havedownloaded therein a predetermined amount of postage funds. During eachpostage transaction, vault microprocessor 107 determines if sufficientfunds are available. If sufficient funds are available, vaultmicroprocessor 107 debits the amount from a descending register, addsthe amount to an ascending register, and sends the postage amount to theprint module, also referred to as print head herein, 105 via thetransaction microprocessor 109. Transaction microprocessor 109 alsosends date data to the printhead module 105 so that a complete indiciaimage can be printed on a medium.

Vault microprocessor 107 manages the postage funds with the ascendingregister representing the lifetime amount of postage funds spent, thedescending register representing the amount of funds currentlyavailable, and a control sum register showing the running total amountof funds that have been credited to the vault microprocessor 107.Additional features of vault microprocessor 107 that can be included area piece counter register, encryption algorithms for encoding theinformation sent to the printhead module 105, and software for requiringa user to input a personal identification number that must be verifiedby the vault microprocessor 107 prior to its authorizing a postagetransaction.

Transaction microprocessor 109 coordinates and assists the transfer ofinformation along bi-directional data lines 101 and 112 between thevault microprocessor 107 and the printhead module 105, respectively, aswell as coordinating various support functions necessary to complete themetering function. Transaction microprocessor 109 interacts withkeyboard 111 to transfer user information input through keyboard keys111 a (such as PIN number, postage amount) to the vault microprocessor107. Additionally, transaction microprocessor 109 sends data to a liquidcrystal display 113 via a driver/controller 115 for the purpose ofdisplaying user inputs or for prompting the user for additional inputs.Moreover, transaction microprocessor 109 provides power, clock, and areset signal to vault microprocessor 107 via respective lines 117, 118,and 119. A clock 120 provides date and time information to transactionmicroprocessor 109. Alternatively, clock 120 can be eliminated and theclock function can be accomplished by the transaction microprocessor109.

Postage meter 110 also includes a conventional power supply 121 thatconditions raw AC voltages from a wall mounted transformer 123 toprovide the required regulated and unregulated DC voltages for thepostage meter 110. Voltages are output via lines 125, 127, and 129 torespectively a printhead motor 131, printhead 133 (which is suitably apiezoelectric printhead, but may also be a laser printhead or an ink jetprinthead) and all logic circuits. Motor 131 is used to control themovement of the printhead 133 relative to the mailpiece upon whichindicia information and other information is to be printed. Base module103, via transaction microprocessor 109, controls the supply of power tomotor 131 to ensure the proper starting and stopping of printhead 133movement after vault microprocessor 107 authorizes a postagetransaction.

Memory module 65 is coupled to print module 105. Memory module 65 issuitably RAM or other computer memory with sufficient capacity to storeinformation to be printed by the print module 105. This informationincludes slogan information, recipient address information, senderaddress information, postal rate information, license information andany other information that is printed on either an envelope, tape ormailing label.

Base module 103 also sends an encoder signal 134, via line 135, thatcorrelates to the number of pulses sent by base microprocessor 103 tostepper printhead motor 131 so that the exact position of printhead 133can be determined based on encoder signal 134. Encoder signal 134 issent to printhead module 105 to synchronize the energizing of individualprinthead elements 133 a in printhead 133 with the positioning ofprinthead 133 by motor 131.

Printhead module 105 includes printhead 133, a printhead driver 137, anApplication Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) 139, a microprocessor 141and a nonvolatile memory (NVM) 143. NVM 143 has stored therein imagedata of the fixed indicia and image data for each individual font thatcan be required as part of the variable data of a postage indicia to beprinted by postage meter 110. Microprocessor 141 receives a printcommand, postage amount, and date via the transaction microprocessor109. The postage amount and date are sent from microprocessor 141 to theASIC 139 which then accesses non-volatile memory 143 (having addressesA1-VAO . . . ) to obtain image data therefrom which is then downloadedby ASIC 139 to the printhead driver 137 in order to energize individualprinthead elements 133 a to produce a single column dot pattern of theindicia. The individual column-by-column generation of the indicia issynchronized with movement of printhead 133 until the full indicia isproduced. The column-by-column generation of the postage indiciaincludes use of the variable address registers 145-145 h and buffer 147of ASIC 139.

The control circuitry for printhead 133 will now be described in moredetail. The printhead control circuitry primarily includes ASIC 139,driver chip 137 and printhead 133.

Driver chip 137 has a shift register 149 and a second register 151contained therein. ASIC 139 has variable address registers 145-145 h andbuffer 147. ASIC 139 sends image data from buffer 147, via data line153, in a serial manner to shift register 149 together with a clocksignal via clock line 155. Buffer 147 contains a single column of imagedata which is downloaded into shift register 149. When ASIC 139 sends alatch signal, via line 157, the single column of image data contained inshift register 149 is latched into register 151 so that the next columnof image data can be sent from ASIC 139 and downloaded into shiftregister 149. Subsequently, upon receipt of first and second fire pulsesignals 159, 161, the even numbered and odd numbered nozzles 133 a arerespectively energized to deposit ink drops on a recording mediumsurface. That is, when fire pulse 159 is in an active state, the oddnumbered nozzles (1, 3, 5, . . . ) are fired or not fired depending uponthe corresponding bit value in register 151 associated therewith andwhen fire pulse 161 is in its active state the even numbered nozzles (2,4, 6, . . . ) are fired or not fired depending upon the bit valuecontained in the corresponding address of register 151.

Register 163 is a programmable register, the value of which can beeasily changed based on input by an operator via keyboard 111 andassociated software contained in microprocessor 141. Registers 169 and171 are used to store pulse widths and a time delay, respectively.

DPLL module 173 is coupled to base module 103 via line 135 and providesinput to driver chip 137. MUX module 179 receives inputs, shown as lines177 and 127 and outputs data to printhead 133.

Upon completion of the postal indicia printing process, the print module105, including print head 133 is moved to a second position to printadditional information on a second area of the medium. The print modulecan be moved repeatedly to print information on other areas of themedium.

FIG. 3 shows a flowchart 20 of steps used to implement one embodiment ofthe present invention. These steps are suitably stored on a computerreadable medium, such as a floppy diskette, CD ROM, ROM, RAM or PROM.Block 202 is a start block. In block 204, the print medium is detected.The print medium is for example, an envelope, postcard, mailing label ortape, on which information is printed. Block 206 is a decision blockthat determines which mode the apparatus should operate. If a tape isdetected, line 208 leads to block 212 in which the print module ispositioned at a first tape printing position. This is typicallyaccomplished by the tape medium being passed through the print moduleand the print module moves from the maintenance position to a positionsuitable for printing on a tape. Block 213 shows that indiciainformation is obtained. This can be accomplished by retrieving theindicia data from memory or a user inputting the information from a userinterface. Block 214 shows that postal indicia is then printed on thetape at a first area of the tape. After the postal indicia is printed onthe tape, the print module is moved to another position, as shown inblock 216. Additional information is obtained, either from memory oruser input, as shown in block 217. Block 218 shows that additionalinformation is printed on the tape. This additional informationtypically includes any combination of slogan information such as“conserve energy” or “don't smoke”, temporary address information, mailstop information, forwarding address information, postal rateinformation, date information, licensing information, inadequate postageinformation, the time the medium was printed, contact information that aperson should be notified when the article is received, further deliveryinstructions, change of address and forwarding address information, andthe like. The print module can be further positioned to print moreadditional information on the tape. Block 219 determines whether thereis more additional information. If so, line 221 leads to block 216. Whenthere is no more information to be printed, line 220 leads to end block260.

If an envelope or label is detected in block 206, line 210 leads toblock 222 in which the print module is positioned at a first printingposition. In block 224, postal indicia information is obtained. A postalindicia is printed on the envelope as shown in block 226. This istypically at a specified area of the medium to comply with U.S. PostOffice regulations. Block to 228 shows that the print module is moved toa second area of the medium and block 230 shows additional data, such asslogan information is obtained, either from memory or a user interface.In block 232, the additional (slogan) information is printed. In block234 the print module is moved to a third area of the medium and block236 shows that second additional data, such as a recipient's address isobtained, either from memory or a user interface. In block 238, thesecond additional (recipient's address) information is printed. Blocks240, 242, 244, 246, 248 and 250 show that the process is repeated toprint still more information on the medium. Block 252 determines whetheror not the printing procedure is complete. If more information is to beprinted, line 254 leads to block 256, which shows the process isrepeated. When there is no more information, line 258 leads to end block260.

FIG. 4 shows that multiple devices can be driven by a central unit. Thecentral unit with address software is indicated as block 302. This unittypically includes a processing unit and memory. The processing unit isany suitable processor, such as a 486 or greater, available from Intel.The memory is suitably any adequate memory for storing the information.The address software can be downloaded to a mailing machine, shown asblock 304, a copier machine, shown as block 306, or a facsimile machine,shown as block 308.

FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment 42 of the present invention. Startblock 402 indicates that mailing medium is stuffed with material to bemailed to a receiver location. Block 404 shows that the mailing mediumis scanned. Block 408 shows that the mail piece can be folded orotherwise processed. Block 410 shows that the mailing media has moistureapplied to it so that an adhesive portion will adhere to a secondportion of the mailing medium. Block 412 shows that the mailing mediumis folded in such a way as to enable mailing through the U.S.P.S. Block414 shows the sealing process. Block 416 shows that the mailing mediumwith the materials to be sent to the recipient is weighed. Block 418shows the printing, which is performed by the apparatus describedherein. This printing includes controlling the print module so thatpostal indicia is printed when the print module is in a first positionand additional information is printed while the print module is in asecond position. The print module can be positioned so as to printrecipient data and sender data as well. After the printing is complete,the sealed mailing material is placed in a dispatch bin for delivery.

FIG. 6 shows a flowchart 50 of another embodiment of the presentinvention, which is suitably stored on a computer readable medium, suchas a diskette, CDROM, ROM, PROM. The steps are also suitably stored at aserver location and downloaded via an interconnection, such as theInternet, to a remote terminal. As shown by the steps 50, block 502 is astand-by block in which the apparatus is in a power conserving or sleepmode. Line 504 connects block 502 to decision block 506, whichdetermines whether an envelope or a tape medium, or a label or postcardis to be printed on. If a medium other than an envelope, i.e., tape,postcard or label, is established, line 508 leads to block 509 in whichindicia is determined or additional processing is determined. Thisinformation is retrieved from an associated database, which stores, forexample, postal rate information, recipient address information, senderaddress information and slogan information. If postal indicia is theonly information to be printed, line 512 lead to block 518 which is aconventional processing procedure, which enables a print module to printindicia on the medium (e.g., tape, postcard or label).

If there is additional information other than the indicia, line 514leads to block 520 in which the print module is controlled such thatindicia is printed on a first area of the tape, then the print module ispositioned in another position such that additional information, such asslogan information is printed on a second area of the medium. The printmodule can then be positioned in yet another position and still otherinformation can be printed. This may include destination addressinformation. The actual content of the additional information is afunction of what is stored in memory and can include virtually anyinformation such as temporary address information, mail stopinformation, forwarding address information, postal rate information,date information, licensing information, inadequate postage informationand other information that is desired. Sender address information canalso be printed either in a designated area of the envelope or on thereverse side of the envelope.

If decision block 506 determines that an envelope is to be printed, line510 leads to block 528 which determines whether there is a letterleaving the sealer apparatus. If not, line 524 leads to back to stand-byblock 502. If a letter is leaving the sealer, line 530 leads to block532, which determines whether or not there is an automated system. Ifnot, line 534 leads to block 548 which shows that there is no detectionof a printing area and the instructions are taken upon selection frommemory.

If block 532 determines there is an automatic system, line 536 leads todecision block 538 which determines whether there is a destinationaddress present. If not, line 540 leads to block 542 in which memory isexamined for destination address data. If destination address data isfound, such information is stored in a printer register. Line 544connects to line 550, which leads to block 552, which enables the systemto determine whether return address information is present. If not, line556 leads to block 558, which shows that the mode is determined. Line564 leads to block 568 in which various possible modes are established.One possible mode is a regular return address. A second possible mode isto match the return address to a destination. A third possible mode is abatch return address. Line 569 leads to block 570, which retrieves frommemory return address information and stores such information at a printregister. Once the return address has been established line 562intersects with line 560.

Line 560 leads to block 572, which determines whether or not there is aslogan required. If yes, line 574 leads to block 576 in which memory isexamined for slogan information that is stored in a print register. Line578 intersects with line 580 to decision block 582 to determine whetherthere are any other instructions. If yes, line 584 leads to block 586 inwhich a mode is examined. Line 588 leads to block 590 in which thereturn data is retrieved from memory. Line 592 leads to block 594 inwhich detection of a leaving edge of an envelope is established.

If in block 582, it is determined that there are not other instructions,line 596 leads to block 594. From block 594, line 595 leads to block 598in which the print module is moved from a maintenance position to afirst envelope printing position to print postal indicia information ona first area of the envelope. The print module is then positioned at asecond envelope printing position to print additional information, suchas the address information, on a second area of the envelope. Next theprint module is positioned at a third position to print moreinformation, such as slogan information, on a third area of theenvelope. Block 599 is an end block.

In another embodiment, a second print module can be positioned so thatinformation is printed on the reverse side of the envelope. This merelyrequires controlling the second print module to print while the envelopeis passing through a path of a mailing machine.

FIG. 7 shows a portion of tape, or label or other medium with anadhesive surface 70 that has been printed. Area 702 represents an areaupon which the postal indicia is printed. This indicia can includesecure and non-secure information, and the print module can multiplexbetween the printing of secure and non-secure information. The secureinformation can include encrypted information or bar code information orany combination thereof. Area 708 represents an area of the tape uponwhich slogan information is printed. Area 704 represents an area uponwhich a recipient's address is printed. Area 710 represents an area uponwhich can be printed additional information such as license agreementinformation, time stamp, etc. Area 706 represents an area upon whichreceiver address information can be printed.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show various portions of a mailing material,specifically an envelope. FIG. 8A shows a front side 60 with indiciaarea 602, recipients address area 604, sender's address area 606 andslogan information area 608. There are also other areas such as 610 thatcan be used to print information such as a change of address, licenseinformation, etc. These described areas are printed by changing theposition of a print module so that each area is printed while the printmodule is in a specified position while the envelope is passed throughthe print module. The information can input from a user interface ordown-loaded from an associated memory. Also, a user can supply theinformation on a CDROM, diskette, or website.

FIG. 8B shows an opposite side 62 of the envelope in which additionalinformation can be printed in area 614 and a return address informationcan be printed in area 612. This is accomplished by positioning a secondprint module such that the information can be printed on the reverseside while the envelope is passing through the print module.

FIG. 9 illustrates a representative simplified form of electrical andelectronic control system for a mailing machine 90. A microprocessor 980is provided which controls the principal operational features of themailing machine 90. An envelope/tape selector switch 982 is provided ona control panel for the mailing machine 90 and functions to set themicroprocessor 980 in an envelope or tape printing mode. A sensor switch984 is mounted in the path of an incoming envelope and functions tocause the microprocessor 980 to commence a cycle of operation of themailing machine 90.

If a user wishes to print a postage indicia directly on envelopes,he/she activates the envelope/tape control switch 982 to select theenvelope-printing mode. When an envelope is inserted into the mailingmachine, either manually or by an automatic feeding device, it contactsthe sensing switch 984 which activates the microprocessor 980 toenergize the motor 962 to move the printing module 950 from themaintenance position to the first printing position so that it willprint the postage indicia directly on the envelope. When the printingmodule 950 reaches the printing position, as determined by the Hallsensor 977, the microprocessor 980 then energizes the motor 928 to movea belt (not shown) to feed the envelope. During the movement, a suitableposition monitoring device, such as the optical encoder 983 coupled tothe drive motor 928 for the belt, monitors the movement of the envelopealong the feed path.

When the encoder 983 determines that the envelope is in the properposition to receive the postage indicia, the microprocessor 980 causesthe printing module 950 to commence the printing operation. The encoder983, through the microprocessor 980, controls the operation of the inkejection devices in the printing module 950 for each of the nozzles toensure the printing of a high quality postage indicia in a first area ofthe envelope. When the indicia is fully printed, the print module 950 ismoved into a second position to print other information, such as sloganinformation, in a second area of the envelope. When the sloganinformation is fully printed, the print module 950 is moved into a thirdposition to print still other information, such as recipient's addressinformation, in a fourth area of the envelope. Next the print module 950can be positioned in a fifth position to print yet more information,such as sender address information, on a fifth area of the envelope.When the print module 950 has completed all printing operations, themicroprocessor 980 terminates printing operation of the mailing machine90 and the belt ejects the envelope from the mailing machine 90. If nofurther envelopes are to be printed, the microprocessor 980 againenergizes the motor 962 to cause the printing module 950 to return tothe maintenance position.

If, on the other hand, successive envelopes are fed into the mailingmachine 90, either manually or by means of an automatic feeder, theabove cycle simply repeats for each successive envelope, at the end ofwhich the microprocessor 980 energizes the motor 962 to return theprinting module 950 to the maintenance position. It should beunderstood, however, that the microprocessor 980 can be set to stop theoperation of the feed belt after any predetermined number of printingoperations, and to cause the printing module 950 to return momentarilyto the maintenance position to permit the nozzle plate to be cleaned.

If the user has an envelope which, for one reason or another, cannot befed through the mailing machine 90, he/she again presses theenvelope/tape selector switch 982 to select the tape printing mode, andalso activates the single/multiple printing switch 986 to select betweena single printing operation or some plurality thereof. He/she thenpresses the start button 988, which causes the microprocessor 980 toenergize the motor 962 to move the printing module 950 to the printingposition, which is different than the maintenance position. When theprinting module 950 reaches this position, as determined by the Hallsensor 979, the microprocessor 980 activates the motor 947 to drive thefeed rollers, so as to move a section of the tape beneath the printingmodule 950, during which another encoder 985, connected to the driveroller of the tape drive monitors the movement of the tape along itsfeed path.

When the encoder 985 determines that a prescribed section of tape is inthe proper position to receive the postage indicia, the microprocessor980 causes the printing module 950 to cycle through a printing operationin the same manner as that described above for printing the postageindicia on an envelope, with the encoder 985, through the microprocessor980, controlling the operation of the ink ejection devices to ensure theprinting of a high quality postage indicia, again the same as describedabove for printing on an envelope. The printer module 950 can bepositioned to print additional information such as slogan information.When the printing operation is complete, the microprocessor 980terminates operation of the printing module 950, activates anappropriate severing device (not shown) and causes the rollers to ejectthe severed strip of tape from the mailing machine. The microprocessorthen activates the motor 962 to return the printing module 950 to themaintenance position, unless the operator has activated thesingle/multiple switch 986 to select the multiple print mode, in whichcase the microprocessor 980 will permit the printing module 950 torepeat the printing operation a predetermined number of times before itis automatically returned to the maintenance position. A print detectioncircuit 922 detects print material that is on the mailing medium, i.e.,envelope, tape, postcard or label. The detection circuit 922 providesthat information to the printhead transport 962 to control the printmodule 950. Thus, if the mailing medium has for example, a barcode, atransparent window, or return address data printed thereon, the printmodule 950 will not print in that area of the medium that is notavailable to be printed on. Dimension detection circuit 918 is coupledto microprocessor 980 and detects the dimensions of the medium to beprinted on. The dimension detection circuit 918 can be, for example, oneor more photocells that determine the size of the mailing medium, candetect whether a #10 business envelope, BRE (business reply envelope),envelope with transparent window, postcard, or mailing label is to beprinted.

It is an embodiment of the present invention that the PC 920,microprocessor 980 and printhead 950 can operate as a printing terminalthat prints information retrieved from remote locations with theInternet 912. In this manner, conventional mail meter components are notnecessary. The PC 920 is typically connected to network 912, which isany network of computers, such as the Internet. Internet service isprovided via interconnection 916 through a service provider (ISP orIAP).

The combination of the print detection module 922 and the dimensiondetection module 918 enable the mailing machine 90 to output anappropriately printed medium based on the dimensions of the medium andany data or other aspects of the medium i.e., window in envelope thataffect available surface area of the envelope.

The apparatus for printing on a medium can comprise various functionalcapabilities. For example, means for detecting a type of medium includephotocells, medium detection circuit and any circuitry that detectswhether the type of envelope or tape is to be printed on. Means forpositioning a print module at a particular position include the controlcircuitry connected to the print module. This control function can alsobe accomplished by a microprocessor, as shown herein or other processingarrangement. Means for printing postal indicia data include a printmodule, inkjet printhead, laser or LED printhead or any suitableapparatus that prints ink or a bar code on a medium. Means for obtainingdata include for example, a processor retrieving data from a memorylocation or other PC or microprocessor that interfaces with a memory orstorage location.

A personal computer (PC), such as a laptop or desktop computer, 920 canbe operatively connected to microprocessor 980. The PC 920 may be, forexample, a commercially available general purpose computer such as awindows-type or MacIntosh-type computer, equipped with a desktop browserthat enables the user to “surf the Net”. The PC 920 may also include adisplay device for example a monitor, which is suitably a cathode raytube (CRT) display, or a liquid crystal (LCD) screen; data processor;input device 118; and other peripheral devices. The CRT device providesa screen to display data to an operator. The input device, which istypically a keyboard and/or a mouse enables the operator to enter data.The processor has memory, such as a RAM or ROM, and adequate speed tostore and retrieve data. Typically a Pentium III processor is preferred;but the processor capacity depends on the quantity of data to be storedand accessed. The PC 920 can control the printhead 950 so that theprinthead 950 prints on the medium according to instructions retrievedfrom the PC 920. PC 920 stores information such as postal regulationsand requirements. This information can be downloaded from the U.S.Postal Service website over the Internet and stored on PC 920. The PC920 can be programmed to retrieve information from the Postal Servicewebsite at predetermined time intervals, such as once a day, therebyensuring that the data downloaded to printhead 950 is current with thelatest U.S. Postal Service regulations. This embodiment obviates theneed for a vault, gate keeper, user interface and sophisticated printingmechanism, which greatly simplifies the mailing machine since the printmodule is controlled by the PC. When the apparatus described herein isin operation, the mailing medium is moving through the machine. Thus,the print head moves from a maintenance position to a first position.This first position is typically such that indicia and additionalinformation such as slogan information, postage rate information and thelike are printed on the medium. The print head is then moved to a secondposition. In this position recipient address information is printed.Also, other additional information, such as other slogans or the likecan be printed since the medium is moving through the apparatus. Theprinthead can then be moved into the first position to print otherinformation at a different area of the medium.

The present invention has been described in terms of printing onenvelopes, tapes and labels. Typically the mailing labels have a surfacewith an adhesive. The labels are typically mailing labels withdimensions such as 3 inches×5 inches, 4 inches×6 inches or 8 inches×10inches, or any suitable size. The postal indicia, slogan information,recipient's address, other slogan information and sender's address canbe printed on the label if size permits. The tape dimensions can alsovary, and the larger the tape, the more information that can be printedthereon.

While the present invention has been disclosed and described withreference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent, as noted abovethat variations and modifications may be made therein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of printing on a medium comprising the steps of: determining a type of medium; determining dimensions of the medium; a first positioning step of positioning a print module at a first position; a first printing step of printing postal indicia information, which includes postal rate information, on a first area of the medium; when the dimensions of the medium exceed a first threshold: a second positioning step of positioning the print module at a second position; and a second printing step of printing second information on a second area of the medium; when the dimensions of the medium exceed a second threshold, the second threshold being larger than the first threshold: a third positioning step of positioning the print module at a third position; and a third printing step of printing third information on a third area of the medium.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: detecting the presence or absence of a destination address on the medium; and positioning the print module as a function of the detection.
 3. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: detecting the presence or absence of a return address on the medium; and positioning the print module as a function of the detection.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising retrieving information that is printed by the print module from a memory.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: storing return address information with an associated recipient address; and retrieving the return address data from memory; and printing the return address information as additional data.
 6. An apparatus for printing on a medium comprising: means for determining a type of medium; means for determining dimensions of the medium; means for positioning a print module at a first position; means for printing postal indicia information, which includes postal rate information, on a first area of the medium; when the dimensions of the medium exceed a first threshold: means for positioning the print module at a second position; and means for printing second information on a second area of the medium; when the dimensions of the medium exceed a second threshold the second threshold being larger than the first threshold: means for positioning the print module at a third position; and means for printing third information on a third area of the medium.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising: means for detecting the presence or absence of a destination address on the medium; and means for positioning the print module as a function of the detection.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising: means for detecting the presence or absence of a return address on the medium; and means for positioning the print module as a function of the detection.
 9. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising means for retrieving information that is printed by the print module from a memory.
 10. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising: means for storing return address information with an associated recipient address; and means for retrieving the return address data; and means for printing the return address information as third information. 